| Activity | The estate science laboratory was founded in 1927 with Peggy Wales in charge and was then known as the Chemistry Department. Dr W K Slater was Director of the Laboratory from 1928-1929, succeeded by J B E Patterson from 1929 until its closure in 1946.
The three functions of the laboratory as originally proposed were commerce, research and education, all closely interrelated. The main types of work were routine analysis for departments; research or investigation, information and the provision of a library available to everyone on the estate.
The laboratory premises were initially located in the East Wing of the Courtyard from 1927-1928. From 1928 to 1935 it was in the Barton Workshop, formerly the old Sunday School, and from 1935 to 1946 at Central Office. |